[0001] The present invention relates to therapeutically active piperidine compounds, a method
of preparing the same and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds.
The novel compounds are useful in the treatment of anoxia, traumatic injury, ischemia,
migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative
diseases.
[0002] It is well known that accumulation of calcium in the brain cells (calcium overload)
is seen after periods of uncontrolled hyperactivity in the brain, such as after convulsions,
migraine, anoxia and ischemia. As the concentration of calcium in the cells is of
vital importance for the regulation of cell function, and uncontrolled high concentration
of the cell calcium will lead to, or indirectly cause the symptoms and possibly also
the degenerative changes combined with the above diseases.
[0003] Therefore, calcium overload blockers selective for brain cells will be useful in
the treatment of anoxia, traumatic injury, ischemia, migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson's
disease, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
[0004] Well known calcium antagonists such as nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem have activity
against peripheral calcium uptake, e.g. in blood vessels and the heart, however, they
have shown only very low activity against calcium overload in brain cells.
[0005] Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide novel compounds having activity
against calcium overload in brain cells.
[0006] The novel compounds of the invention are of formula I
wherein
A is

or - O - R⁴
wherein R² and R³ independently are hydrogen, straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl optionally
substituted with an amino group which amino group is optionally mono or disubstituted
with straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl, straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkenyl or straight
or branched C₂₋₆-alkynyl; or
R² and R³ together form a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring containing one to four
N, O or S atom(s) or a combination thereof which heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted
at a carbon or nitrogen atom with straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl, straight or branched
C₂₋₆-alkenyl, straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkynyl or phenyl which phenyl group is optionally
substituted with halogen, C₁₋₄-alkyl, C₁₋₄-alkoxy or trifluoromethyl, or one or two
carbon atom(s) in the heterocyclic ring together with one or two oxygen atom(s) form
one or two carbonyl group(s), or which heterocyclic ring is optionally fused with
a benzo group; and
R⁴ is straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl optionally substituted with an amino group which
amino group is optionally mono or disubstituted with straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl,
straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkenyl or C₂₋₆-alkynyl; and R¹ is hydrogen, straight or
branched C₁₋₆-alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, C₁₋₆-alkoxy, phenyl or phenoxy,
straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkenyl or straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkynyl; and
X is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C₁₋₄-alkyl, C₁₋₄-alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl
or an amino group optionally mono or disubstituted with straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
[0007] Examples of such salts include inorganic and organic acid addition salts such as
hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate, phosphate, acetate, fumarate, maleate, citrate,
lactate, tartrate, oxalate, or similar pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic
acid addition salts.
[0008] The invention also relates to a method of preparing the above mentioned compounds.
These methods comprise
a) reacting a compound of formula II

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above provided that R¹ is not hydrogen
and Z is a leaving group such as e.g. halogen or a sulfonate, with a compound of formula
III

wherein R² and R³ have the meanings defined above; or
b) reacting a compound of formula II

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above provided that R¹ is not hydrogen
and Z is a leaving group such as e.g. halogen or a sulfonate, with a compound of formula
IV
R⁴ - OH (IV)
wherein R⁴ has the meaning defined above; or
c) demethylating a compound of formula I wherein R¹ is methyl by means of ROCOCl wherein
R preferably are -CHClCH₃, -CH=CH₂ and -CH₂CCl₃ to form a compound of formula I wherein
R¹ is hydrogen; or
d) reacting a compound of formula V

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above with a compound of formula III

wherein R² and R³ have the meanings defined above by means of Ph₃P and (EtOCON)₂;
or
e) reacting a compound of formula V

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above with a compound of formula IV
R⁴ - OH (IV)
wherein R⁴ has the meaning defined above by means of Ph₃P and (EtOCON)₂; or
f) reacting a compound of formula VI

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above provided that R¹ is not hydrogen
with a compound of formula VII
R² - Y (VII)
wherein R² is straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl and Y is a leaving group such as e.g.
halogen or a sulfonate; or
g) reacting a compound of formula VI

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above provided that R¹ is not hydrogen
with a compound of formula VIII
Y-CH₂CH₂-Y (VIII)
wherein Y is a leaving group such as e.g. halogen or a sulfonate.
[0009] The pharmacological properties of the compounds of the invention can be illustrated
by determining their capaility to inhibit calcium uptake into brain synaptosomes.
PRINCIPLE
[0010] Depolarization of neuronal membranes leads to an opening of socalled "voltage operated
calcium channels" (VOC) in the membranes which allows a massive influx of calcium
from the extracellular space. A crude synaptosomal preparation (socalled P₂ fraction)
contains small vesicles surrounded by neuronal membrane and it is possible in such
a preparation to study a depolarization-induced opening of VOC. In the present model
⁴⁵Ca influx is induced in the synaptosomes by depolarization with elevated potassium
concentrations, and the effect of test substances on this stimulated uptake is studied
(Nachshen, D.A. and Blaustein, M.P., Mol. Pharmcol.,
16, 579 (1979)).
ASSAY
[0011] A male Wistar rat is decapitated and the cerebral cortex removed and homogenized
in 10 ml of ice-cold 0.32 M sucrose using a glass homogenizer with a teflon pestle.
All subsequent steps for isolation of synaptosomes are done at 0-4°C. The homogenate
is centrifuged at 1000 x g for 10 min. and the resulting supernatant is re-centrifuged
at 18000 x g for 20 min. This pellet (P₂) is resuspended in 0.32 M sucrose (5 ml per
g of original tissue) with a teflon pestle.
[0012] Aliquots (0.050 ml) of this crude synaptosomal suspension are added to glass tubes
containing 0.625 ml of NaCl buffer (136 mM NaCl, 4 mM KCl, 0.35 mM CaCl₂, 1.2 mM MgCl₂,
20 mM Tris HCl, 12 mM glucose, pH 7.4) and 0.025 ml of various drug solutions in 48%
ethanol. The tubes are preincubated for 30 min. on ice and then for 6 min. at 37°C
in a water bath.
[0013] The uptake is immediately initiated by adding 0.4 ml of ⁴⁵CaCl₂ (specific activity
= 29-39 Ci/g; 0.5 µCi/assay), in 145 mM NaCl for non-depolarized samples and in 145
mM KCl for depolarized samples. The incubation is continued for 15 s.
[0014] The uptake is terminated by rapid filtration through GF-C glass fiber filters which
are washed three times with 5 ml of a cold solution containing 145 mM KCl, 7 mM EGTA
and 20 mM Tris HCl, pH 7.4. The amount of radioactivity on the filter disc is determined
by liquid scintillation spectrometry.
TEST PROCEDURE
[0015] Test substances are dissolved in 10 ml of 48% ethanol at a concentration of 0.44
mg/ml. Dilution is made in 48% ethanol to give final concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 1,3
and 10 µg/ml. Experiments are performed in triplicate. Controls for depolarized and
nondepolarized samples are included in the assay and test substances are only tested
in depolarized samples. 25-75% inhibition of stimulated uptake must be obtained before
calculating the IC₅₀ value.
RESULTS
[0016] The test value will be given as MEC (minimal effective concentration (µg/ml)) of
test substance which inhibits stimulated uptake of ⁴⁵Ca significant different (P<
0.05, Student's t-test) from control.
[0017] Test results obtained by testing some compounds of the present invention will appear
from the following Table 1.
Table 1
Compound No. |
MEC (µg/ml) |
1 |
>1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
>1 |
6 |
0.3 |
7 |
3 |
8 |
>3 |
9 |
>3 |
11 |
1 |
13 |
>1 |
14 |
1 |
[0018] The compounds of the invention, together with a conventional adjuvant, carrier, or
diluent, and if desired in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition
salt thereof, may be placed into the form of pharmaceutical compositions and unit
dosages thereof, and in such form may be employed as solids, such as tablets or filled
capsules, or liquids, such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, elixirs, or capsules
filled with the same, all for oral use, in the form of suppositories for rectal administration;
or in the form of sterile injectable solutions for parenteral use (including subcutaneous
administration and infusion). Such pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms
thereof may comprise conventional ingredients in conventional proportions, with or
without additional active compounds or principles, and such unit dosage forms may
contain any suitable effective calcium overload blocking amount of the active ingredient
commensurate with the intended daily dosage range to be employed. Tablets containing
ten (10) milligrams of the active ingredient or, more broadly, one (1) to hundred
(100) milligrams, per tablet, are accordingly suitable representative unit dosage
forms.
[0019] The compounds of this invention can thus be used for the formulation of pharmaceutical
preparations, e.g. for oral and parenteral administration to mammals including humans,
in accordance with conventional methods of galenic pharmacy.
[0020] Conventional excipients are such pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic
carrier substances suitable for parenteral or enteral application which do not deleteriously
react with the active compounds.
[0021] Examples of such carriers are water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols,
polyhydroxyethoxylated castor oil, gelatine, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate,
talc, silicic acid, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, pentaerythritol fatty
acid esters, hydroxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
[0022] The pharmaceutical preparations can be sterilized and mixed, if desired, with auxiliary
agents, emulsifiers, salt for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers and/or coloring
substances and the like, which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds.
[0023] For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectable solutions or suspensions,
preferably aqueous solutions with the active compound dissolved in polyhydroxylated
castor oil.
[0024] Ampoules are convenient unit dosage forms.
[0025] Tablets, dragees, or capsules having talc and/or a carbohydrate carrier or binder
or the like, the carrier preferably being lactose and/or corn starch and/or potato
starch, are particularly suitable for oral application. A syrup, elixir or the like
can be used in cases where a sweetened vehicle can be employed.
[0026] Generally, the compounds of this invention are dispensed in unit form comprising
0.05-100 mg in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier per unit dosage.
[0027] The dosage of the compounds according to this invention is 0.1-300 mg/day, preferably
10-100 mg/day, when administered to patients, e.g. humans, as a drug.
[0028] A typical tablet which may be prepared by conventional tabletting techniques contains:
Active compound |
5.0 mg |
Lactosum |
67.8 mg Ph.Eur. |
Avicel® |
31.4 mg |
Amberlite® IRP 88 |
1.0 mg |
Magnesii stearas |
0.25 mg Ph.Eur. |
[0029] Due to the high calcium overload blocking activity, the compounds of the invention
are extremely useful in the treatment of symptoms related to an accumulation of calcium
in brain cells of mammals, when administered in an amount effective for calcium overload
blocking activity, including both activity against anoxia, traumatic injury, ischemia,
migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative
diseases. The compounds of the invention may accordingly be administered to a subject,
e.g., a living animal body, including a human, in need of a calcium overload blocker,
and if desired in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof
(such as the hydrobromide, hydrochloride, or sulfate, in any event prepared in the
usual or conventional manner, e.g., evaporation to dryness of the free base in solution
together with the acid), ordinarily concurrently, simultaneously, or together with
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, especially and preferably in the
form of a pharmaceutical composition thereof, whether by oral, rectal, or parenteral
(including subcutaneous) route, in an effective calcium overload blocking amount,
and in any event an amount which is effective for the treatment of anoxia, traumatic
injury, ischemia, migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and
other neurodegenerative diseases due to their calcium overload blocking activity.
Suitable dosage ranges are 1-200 milligrams daily, 10-100 milligrams daily, and especially
30-70 milligrams daily, depending as usual upon the exact mode of administration,
form in which administered, the indication towards which the administration is directed,
the subject involved and the body weight of the subject involved, and the preference
and experience of the physician or veterinarian in charge.
[0030] The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the following
examples:
EXAMPLE 1
(+-)-trans-3-((2-Aminoethyl)aminomethyl)-1-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine, HCl (1)
[0031] 7.0 g (0.02 mol) (+-)-cis-3-benzenesulphonyloxymethyl-1-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine
(2) was dissolved in 50 ml 1,2-diaminoethane. The reaction mixture was refluxed for
7.5 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated
in vacuo. The resulting oil was dissolved in 4 N NaOH and extracted with dichloromethane (3
x 200 ml), then dried over MgSO₄, evaporation
in vacuo gave 4.65 g yellow oil (92%). Some oil was acidified by conc. HCl, the resulting
glass was very hygroscopic. M.p. 257-270°C.
[0032] ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃,δ): 7.2 (s,5H), 2.45 (s,3H), 1.1-2.3 (m,10H), 2.5-3.2 (m,7H).
EXAMPLE 2
(+-)-trans-3-(N-Butyl-N-(2-dibutylamino)ethyl)aminomethyl-1-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine,
HCl (3)
[0033] 0.5 g (2.0 mmol) (free amine) (1) was dissolved in abs. ethanol. 1.45 g (10.58 mmol)
n-bromobutane and 2 g K₂CO₃ were added together with one crystal of KI. The reaction
mixture was stirred for 15 h at room temperature. Silica gel TLC (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH; 9:1)
showed no reaction. Then the reaction mixture was refluxed for 72 h. The reaction
mixture was filtrated. K₂CO₃ and KI was washed with ether. The ethanol-ether phase
was evaporated
in vacuo. The resulting oil was dissolved in 4 N NaOH, extracted with ether (3 x 50 ml), and
dried over MgSO₄. Evaporation
in vacuo gave 0.510 g oil, which was purified on silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/ CH₃OH; 9:1).
The resulting oil (0.03 g) was acidified with conc. HCl, giving 38.4 mg (4%) white
crystals of (3). M.p. 201.2-202.2°C. MS: 416 (M+1).
EXAMPLE 3
(+-)-trans-3-((2-Aminoethyl)aminomethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine, HCl
(4)
[0034] 5 g (0.012 mol) of (+-)-trans-3-benzenesulphonyloxymethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine
(5) was dissolved in 50 ml 1,2-diaminoethane. The reaction mixture was heated at 60°C
for 22 h. H₂O was added and the mixture was evaporated
in vacuo to give 7.63 g brown oil which was dissolved in 4 N NaOH and extracted with CH₂Cl₂
(3 x 200 ml). The dichloromethane phase was dried with MgSO₄, evaporated and acidified
with conc. HCl. Recrystallization from CH₃OH/ether gave 2.2 g white crystals (46%).
M.p. > 289°C.
EXAMPLE 4
(+-)-trans-3-(N-Butyl-N-(2-dibutylamino)ethyl)-aminomethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
HCl (6)
[0035] The compound was prepared in the same manner as described for (3). Yield 0.6 g (47%)
hydrochloride as a glass.
[0036] ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃,δ): 6.8-7.35 (m,4H), 8.7 (s,2H), 0.95 (t,12H), 1.2-2.0 (m,20H), 2.1-2.5
p(m,8H), 2.5-3.7 (m,12H).
EXAMPLE 5
(+-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(N-propyl-N-(2-dipropylamino)ethyl)-aminomethyl-1-pentylpiperidine,
HCl (7)
[0037] The compound was prepared in the same manner as described for (3). Yield 120 mg (23%)
as a hard glass.
[0038] ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃,δ): 6.7-7.3 (m,4H), 0.7-1.1 (broad t,12H), 1.1-1.7 (m,17H), 1.7-3.3
(m,17H).
EXAMPLE 6
(-)-trans-3-((3-Aminopropyl)aminomethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine, HCl
(8)
[0039] The compound was prepared in the same manner as described for (1). Yield 1.86 g (76%)
as a hard glass.
[0040] ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃,δ): 6.9-7.4 (m,4H), 1.1 p(t,3H), 1.3-1.9 (m,10H), 1.9-2.3 (m,6H), 2.35-3.0
(m,7H), 3.0-3.4 (m,4H).
EXAMPLE 7
(-)-trans-1-Butyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(morpholinomethyl)piperidine, HCl (9)
[0041] 4.2 g (0.011 mol) of (+)-cis-3-benzenesulphonyloxymethyl-1-butyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperidine
(10) was dissolved in 200 ml toluene and 4.7 g (0.054 mol) 5 eq. morpholine was added.
The reaction mixture was heated at 60-70°C for 120 h. 200 ml 4 N NaOH was added to
wash the toluene phase. The water phase was washed with ether (3 x 50 ml). Toluene/ether
fractions were dried over MgSO₄. Evaporation
in vacuo gave 3.66 g yellow oil. Purification on silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH; 9:1) gave
after acidification with conc. HCl 1.3 g (29%) as a hard glass.
[0042] ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃,δ): 6.6-7.15 (m,4H), 0.8 (t,3H), 1.0-2.5 (m,17H), 2.5-3.6 (m,7H).
EXAMPLE 8
(+-)-trans-1-Butyl-3-(4-phenylpiperidinomethyl)-4-phenylpiperidine, HCl (11)
[0043] 2.0 g (0.005 mol) (+-)-cis-3-benzenesulphonyloxymethyl-1-butyl-4-phenylpiperidine
(12) was dissolved in 100 ml toluene; 1 g (0.0065 mol) 4-phenylpiperidine and 1 ml
pyridine were added. The reaction mixture was heated for 24 h at 70°C. 100 ml 4 N
NaOH was added. The water phase was extracted with (3 x 50 ml) ether. The toluene/ether
phases were dried over MgSO₄, evaporation
in vacuo gave 2.31 g yellow oil. Purification on silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH; 9:1) gave
1.3 g oil. Acidification with conc. HCl gave 1.4 g (61%) as a hard glass.
[0044] ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃,δ): 7.15 (s,5H), 7.7 (s,5H), 1.0 (t,3H), 1.2-1.9 (m,10H), 2.0-2.3 (m,9H),
2.3-3.7 (m,6H).
EXAMPLE 9
(+-)-trans-1-Methyl-4-phenyl-3-(1-piperazinyl)methyl-piperidine, HCl (13)
[0045] 2 g (0.008 mol) (1) was dissolved in 100 ml CH₂Cl₂; 1.7 g (0.009 mol) 1,2-dibromoethane
and 2 g K₂CO₃ were added. The reaction mixture was heated for 5 h at 40°C. The mixture
was stirred for 18 h at room temperature. 100 ml 4 N NaOH was added. The water phase
was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3 x 50 ml), CH₂Cl₂ phases were dried over MgSO₄ and activated
charcoal, evaporation
in vacuo gave 1.85 g orange crystals (84%). 0.4 g was acidified by conc. HCl. Yield 0.3 g
light orange crystals (59%). M.p. 188-190°C.
EXAMPLE 10
(+-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinylmethyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
HCl (14)
[0046] 2.5 g (0.006 mol) (+-)-trans-3-benzenesulphonyloxymethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine
(5) was dissolved in 100 ml toluene; 1.46 g (0.009 mol) 1.5 eq. N-phenyl-piperazine
and 1 ml pyridine were added. The reaction mixture was stirred 24 h at 90°C. 100 ml
4 N NaOH was added, and the water phase was extracted with ether (3 x 50 ml). Toluene/ether
phases were dried over MgSO₄. Evaporation
in vacuo gave 3.3 g semicrystalline brown oil. Purification on silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH;
9:1) gave 1.87 g oil. Acidification with conc. HCl gave 1.4 g (50%) light yellow crystals.
M.p. 192.9-193.6°C.
EXAMPLE 11
(-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-isoquinolinylmethyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
2 HCl (15)
[0047] 1 g (0.0024 mol) (+)-cis-3-benzenesulphonyloxymethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine
(16) was dissolved in 25 ml 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. The reaction mixture was
heated for 72 h at 80°C. Evaporation
in vacuo gave a semi-crystalline oil. The oil was washed with 25 ml 4 N NaOH and extraction
with ether (3 x 50 ml) gave after drying with MgSO₄ 1.2 g brown oil. Purification
on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate) gave after acidification with conc. HCl 90 mg
of (15). M.p. 197-198°C.
EXAMPLE 12
(-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-quinolinylmethyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
2 HCl (17)
[0048] 1 g (0.0024 mol) of (16) was dissolved in 25 ml 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline. The
reaction mixture was heated under N₂ for 20 h at 80°C. The mixture was added 25 ml
4 N NaOH and the water phase was extracted with ether (3 x 50 ml), evaporation
in vacuo gave 1.3 g brown oil. Purification on silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH; 9:1) and
two times with (eluent: ethyl acetate) gave 130 mg, acidification with conc. HCl gave
40 mg (3.5%) of (15). M.p. 57-58°C.
EXAMPLE 13
(-)-trans-3-(2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxymethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
HCl (18)
[0049] 1 g (0.0024 mol) of (16) was dissolved in 25 ml dimethylaminoethanol and 120 mg NaH
was added. The reaction mixture was heated under N₂ for 24 h at 80°C. Then washed
with 30 ml 4 N NaOH. The water phase was extracted with ether (3 x 50 ml). The ether
phase was dried over MgSO₄. Evaporation
in vacuo gave 0.7 g yellow oil. Purification on silica gel 3 times (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH;
8:2) gave 350 mg oil. Acidification with conc. HCl gave 270 mg (26.6%) white crystals.
M.p. 235.7-236.4°C.
EXAMPLE 14
(+-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-3-phthalimidomethyl-piperidine, HCl (19)
[0050] 3 g (13.5 mmol) of (+-)-trans-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-1-methylpiperidine,
1.98 g (13.5 mmol) phthalimide and 3.52 g (13.5 mmol) triphenylphosphine were dissolved
in 30 ml dry tetrahydrofuran (THF), and a solution of 2.34 g (13.5 mmol) of diethylazodicarboxylate
(DEAD) in 10 ml dry THF was slowly added. After 3 days the solution was evaporated,
and the residue was triturated with ether and filtrated. The filtrate was evaporated
and purified twice by column chromatography on silica gel, first in dichloromethane:methanol
(9:1), then in pentane:triethylamine (1:1). The eluent was evaporated, the product
triturated with toluene and filtrated, redissolved in acetone and precipitated by
the addition of conc. HCl to give 3.3 g of (19), (63%). M.p. 267-270°C.
EXAMPLE 15
(+-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-3-succinimidomethyl-piperidine, HCl (20)
[0051] 3 g (13.5 mmol) of (+-)-trans-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-1-methylpiperidine,
1,34 g (13.5 mmol) succinimide and 3.52 g (13.5 mmol) triphenylphosphine were dissolved
in 30 ml dry tetrahydrofuran (THF), and a solution of 2.34 g (13.5 mmol) of diethylazodicarboxylate
(DEAD) in 10 ml dry THF was slowly added. After 3 days the solution was evaporated,
and the residue was triturated with ether and filtrated. The filtrate was evaporated
and purified by column chromatography on silica gel in dichloromethane:methanol (9:1).
The eluent was evaporated, and the product dissolved in acetone and precipitated by
the addition of conc. HCl to give 635 mg of (20), (14%). M.p. 243-245°C.
EXAMPLE 16
(+-)-trans-1-Butyl-4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-phthalimidomethyl-piperidine, 2 HCl
(21)
[0052] 1.0 g (3.45 mmol) of (+-)-trans-4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-1-butylpiperidine,
0.51 g (3.45 mmol) phthalimide and 0.9 g (3.45 mmol) of triphenylphosphine were dissolved
in 50 ml dry tetrahydrofuran (THF), and 0.60 g (3.45 mmol) of diethylazodicarboxylate
(DEAD) was slowly added. After 8 days the solution was evaporated, the solid treated
with 2 N NaOH and ether, and the dried (MgSO₄) ether phase was evaporated. The solid
was then purified twice by column chromatography on silica gel, first in dichloromethane:methanol
(9:1), then in pentane:triethylamine (1:1). The product was then dissolved in acetone
and precipitated by the addition of conc. HCl to give 1.0 g of (21), (59%).
[0053] C H N Cl analysis: (calc./found for (C₂₆H₃₃N₃O₂, 2 HCl, ½ H₂O)), (62.27/62.17, 7.24/7.35,
8.38/8.28, 14.14/14.19).
EXAMPLE 17
(+-)-trans-1-Butyl-4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-succinimidomethyl-piperidine, HCl (22)
[0054] 1 g (3.45 mmol) of (+-)-trans-4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-1-butylpiperidine,
0.34 g (3.45 mmol) succinimide and 0.9 g (3.45 mmol) triphenylphosphine were dissolved
in 50 ml dry tetrahydrofuran (THF), and 0.60 g (3.45 mmol) of diethylazodicarboxylate
(DEAD) was slowly added. After 5 days the solvent was evaporated, and the solid purified
by column chromatography on silica gel in dichloromethane:methanol (19:1). The product
was dissolved in acetone and precipitated by the addition of conc. HCl and ether to
give 830 mg of (22), 54%.
[0055] C H N Cl analysis: (calc./found for (C₂₂H₃₃N₃O₂, 2 HCl, 1½ H₂O)), (56.05/56.30, 8.12/7.98,
8.91/8.91, 15.04/14.70).
1. A compound of formula I

wherein
A is

or - O - R⁴
wherein R² and R³ independently are hydrogen, straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl optionally
substituted with an amino group which amino group is optionally mono or disubstituted
with straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl, straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkenyl or straight
or branched C₂₋₆-alkynyl; or
R² and R³ together form a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring containing one to four
N, O or S atom(s) or a combination thereof which heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted
at a carbon or nitrogen atom with straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl, straight or branched
C₂₋₆-alkenyl, straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkynyl or phenyl which phenyl group is optionally
substituted with halogen, C₁₋₄-alkyl, C₁₋₄-alkoxy or trifluoromethyl, or one or two
carbon atom(s) in the heterocyclic ring together with one or two oxygen atom(s) form
one or two carbonyl group(s), or which heterocyclic ring is optionally fused with
a benzo group; and
R⁴ is straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl optionally substituted with an amino group which
amino group is optionally mono or disubstituted with straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl,
straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkenyl or C₂₋₆-alkynyl; and R¹ is hydrogen, straight or
branched C₁₋₆-alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, C₁₋₆-alkoxy, phenyl or phenoxy,
straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkenyl or straight or branched C₂₋₆-alkynyl; and
X is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C₁₋₄-alkyl, C₁₋₄-alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl
or an amino group optionally mono or disubstituted with straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2. The compound according to claim 1 selected from
(+-)-trans-3-((2-Aminoethyl)aminomethyl)-1-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine,
(+-)-trans-3(N-Butyl-N-(2-dibutylamino)ethyl)aminomethyl-1-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine,
(+-)-trans-3-((2-Aminoethyl)aminomethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
(+-)-trans-3-(N-Butyl-N-(2-dibutylamino)ethyl)-aminomethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
(+-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(N-propyl-N-(2-dipropylamino)ethyl)-aminomethyl-1-pentylpiperidine,
(-)-trans-3-((3-Aminopropyl)aminomethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
(-)-trans-1-Butyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(morpholinomethyl)piperidine,
(+-)-trans-1-Butyl-3-(4-phenylpiperidinomethyl)-4-phenylpiperidine,
(+-)-trans-1-Methyl-4-phenyl-3-(1-piperazinyl)methyl-piperidine,
(+-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinylmethyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
(-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-isoquinolinylmethyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
(-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-quinolinylmethyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
(-)-trans-3-(2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxymethyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-pentylpiperidine,
(+-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-3-phthalimidomethyl-piperidine,
(+-)-trans-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-3-succinimidomethyl-piperidine,
(+-)-trans-1-Butyl-4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-phthalimidomethyl-piperidine,
(+-)-trans-1-Butyl-4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-succinimidomethyl-piperidine,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
3. A method of preparing a compound according to claim 1 characterized in
a) reacting a compound of formula II

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above provided that R¹ is not hydrogen
and Z is a leaving group such as e.g. halogen or a sulfonate, with a compound of formula
III

wherein R² and R³ have the meanings defined above; or
b) reacting a compound of formula II

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above provided that R¹ is not hydrogen
and Z is a leaving group such as e.g. halogen or a sulfonate, with a compound of formula
IV
R⁴ - OH (IV)
wherein R⁴ has the meaning defined above; or
c) demethylating a compound of formula I wherein R¹ is methyl by means of ROCOCl wherein
R preferably are -CHClCH₃, -CH=CH₂ and -CH₂CCl₃ to form a compound of formula I wherein
R¹ is hydrogen; or
d) reacting a compound of formula V

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above with a compound of formula III

wherein R² and R³ have the meanings defined above by means of Ph₃P and (EtOCON)₂;
or
e) reacting a compound of formula V

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above with a compound of formula IV
R⁴ - OH (IV)
wherein R⁴ has the meaning defined above by means of Ph₃P and (EtOCON)₂; or
f) reacting a compound of formula VI

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above provided that R¹ is not hydrogen
with a compound of formula VII
R² - Y (VII)
wherein R² is straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl and Y is a leaving group such as e.g.
halogen or a sulfonate; or
g) reacting a compound of formula VI

wherein X and R¹ have the meanings defined above provided that R¹ is not hydrogen
with a compound of formula VIII
Y-CH₂CH₂-Y (VIII)
wherein Y is a leaving group such as e.g. halogen or a sulfonate.
4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 or a salt thereof with
a pharmaceutically acceptable acid together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier
or diluent.
5. A pharmaceutical composition suitable for use in preventing calcium overload in brain
cells of mammals, including humans, comprising an amount of a compound of claim 1,
which is effective for inhibiting calcium uptake into brain cells together with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
6. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 4 or 5 wherein it is in the form
of an oral dosage unit containing 1-100 mg of the active compound.
7. A method of treating calcium overload in brain cells of mammals, including humans,
comprising administering a calcium overload blocking amount of a compound according
to claim 1.
8. A method of treating calcium overload in brain cells of mammals, including humans,
comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition according to claim 5.
9. The use of a compound according to claim 1 or a salt thereof with a pharmaceutically
acceptable acid for the preparation of a medicament useful in treatment of calcium
overload in brain cells of mammals, including humans.